Ramayana becomes the first Indian film to top the UK and Ireland box office

Indian cinema has been knocking on the door of the UK chart for years. This weekend, it finally walked in and took the top spot.

Sony's animated mythological adventure "Ramayana: Rise of a Legend" debuted at No. 1 in the UK and Ireland, collecting £2.1 million ($2.8 million). No Indian feature had ever opened on top of the chart there.

What happened?

The film led a crowded field of new releases. Disney's "Wild Horse Nine" took second place with $1.9 million, while Anime Ltd.'s "Godzilla Minus Zero" opened in third with $1.8 million.

Below them, "Wicker" was fourth in its second weekend ($1.5 million, $5.7 million in total). "George Michael: The Faith Tour", a concert film, debuted in fifth with $1.3 million.

Why is it such a big deal?

Until now, second place was the best Indian films could manage in the territory. S.S. Rajamouli's "RRR" got there in 2022. Shah Rukh Khan's "Pathaan" and "Jawan" both did it in 2023. Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" matched it earlier this year.

"Ramayana" has also been busy back home. It earned a net Rs 107.50 crore across 23,911 shows in India on its first Monday, its fifth day in cinemas. That took its Indian total to Rs 346 crore. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.

What's next?

Indian films will keep coming to UK screens. Dreamz Entertainment releases "Vidudala" on Thursday, then "Mega158" and "Kaaka" on Friday, and "George Krish" on Saturday.

The new wide releases include the legal drama "Prima Facie" with Cynthia Erivo, which opens on Friday across 300+ locations. Whether "Ramayana" can hold its crown in its second weekend will be the next thing to watch.